From happy customers

Loved by 50 million+
Trustpilot rating: 4.5 out of 5

Irina G

Armenia
Couple
2 days ago
All was great, I really enjoyed all the rooms. It desplayed masterpieces of different artists and periods of time. I felt the history myself.

Mariam A

Georgia
Group
3 days ago

+1 more

Everything went smoothly, no lines - we skipped everything, audiophile was also helpful, so over all it was an excellent experience

Deryk R

United Kingdom
Couple
4 days ago

+3 more

The history, the architecture, the mesuem, the half way arena built on top of wooden beams supports. Ontop of the advice to visit the Roman forum and Palestine hill from our trusted guide tours that saved us a hefty wait time.

Attilio C

Family
6 days ago
Excellent organization, well-designed app. Perhaps the route could have been improved, as the stops were scattered and not contiguous, but overall it was a positive experience.

Eszter F

Couple
5 days ago
The start was a bit stressful. We couldn’t find the contact person at the designated meeting point as quickly as we had expected. After searching for a while, a man appeared wearing a small badge on his shirt and a cord around his neck. Since we had already been looking everywhere and almost no one seemed to know anything about the company, we started to feel slightly panicked and even wondered if we had been scammed. He also arrived a little later than the indicated time. However, when we approached him, it turned out he was indeed the person who led us to the rest of the group. At that moment, a sense of relief set in, we finally felt we were in good hands. It did take some time before our guide arrived, and the waiting was a bit unpleasant. [It’s important to arrive well in advance at each location to ensure you’re on time and able to enter without issues.] Then our guide arrived, and from that point on, I can only write praise. She is truly a powerhouse. You simply cannot miss her voice, she speaks loudly and clearly. She engages actively with the group and makes sure to keep everyone involved. She prepared us well for the waiting time and filled it with genuinely interesting facts and historical insights, which made the long wait much more bearable. Unfortunately, the “skip-the-line ticket” didn’t quite feel like it, as one of the gates was closed—this remained somewhat unclear. In total, we ended up waiting in line for an hour and forty-five minutes. That said, the guide was very attentive, making sure no one cut in line. She confidently addressed anyone who attempted to do so, which was both reassuring and impressive to witness. She frequently checked in to make sure everyone was doing okay. It was also helpful that people were walking around selling ice-cold water in the heat for just €2. As an additional suggestion, it would be helpful to inform participants in advance to bring food and drinks, as it can be a long day. This simple tip would have benefited many people in the group and made the experience more comfortable overall. Once inside, everything went smoothly. The guidance within the church was engaging and informative. She even arranged for a priest to give our group a blessing, which was a very special moment. She was a warm, energetic, and passionate guide with many wonderful stories to share. The experience was absolutely worth it. Once again, thank you for this memorable tour. We loved her very much!!!! xxx

Ivan A

Spain
Couple
6 days ago
An incredible and truly wonderful experience—I highly recommend it. It’s one of the most beautiful places in Rome, and I’d love to go back again.

Tanya O

Switzerland
Couple
6 days ago
A really interesting and wonderful tour! Our guide, Valentina, gave clear explanations and provided fascinating background information! It was a long walk, but we weren’t bored for a single moment. She guided us smoothly through the crowded museum and eventually to St. Peter’s Basilica without any lines. Thanks for the fun afternoon!

Aleksei Z

Cyprus
Solo
6 days ago
Susanna was just awesome, showed everything in a pleasant 3 hours Spanish tour, that flew just like 5 minutes. One of the best experiences ever, highly recommended. Easy to find the meeting point, nicely organised, visit only highlights with no necessity to discover yourself. Just take the unpacked treasury of art prepared for you to enjoy!

Top things to do in Rome

What is the Papal Audience?

Have you ever wanted to see the Pope in real life? The Papal Audience is a great opportunity to do so. Every Wednesday at St. Peter's Square, the Pope greets and addresses pilgrims from all over the world. The Pope greets and addresses a gathering of Christian pilgrims, devotees, and inspired visitors around St. Peter’s Square. The Papal Audience is seen as a way for the Pope to keep in personal touch with his followers and strengthen their faith through his messages.

The Pope makes a reading and delivers a short sermon followed by the final prayer and a bestowal of Papal blessings. These are delivered in Italian, though, short summaries are provided in English and other languages.

  • Venue: Usually held in St. Peter’s Square; during inclement weather or extreme temperatures, it's moved to the Paul VI Audience Hall.
  • Time: Begins around 9am; security opens by 7:30am.
  • Duration: Approximately 1.5 to 2 hours.

A tradition that brings people together

The General Audience was started as early as 1939 by Pope Pius XII with the intention of praying for newly married couples. It ceased temporarily during World War II and resumed again in 1963 under Pope Paul VI to include all the faithful while speaking on themes each week such as hope, faith, and charity.

Over the decades, it has grown into a weekly event held (usually) every Wednesday, either in St. Peter’s Square or the Paul VI Hall. Pilgrims, families, and travelers alike attend—some for spiritual guidance, others simply for the rare opportunity to see the Pope in person. No matter your reason, you’ll be part of a deeply moving moment in the heart of Vatican life.

How can I attend the Papal Audience?

Crowd gathered at St. Peter's Basilica for new pope announcement, Vatican City.

Attending the Papal Audience is always free, but tickets are required for the main seated and standing sections to help manage crowds and ensure safety.

Tickets do not assign you a specific seat—they simply grant access to a particular section or area. Seating is always first-come, first-served: the earlier you arrive, the better your spot will be.

You can still attend without a ticket, but you’ll be limited to standing at the back of St. Peter’s Square. For a better view and overall experience, it’s best to request tickets at least 1 month in advance, especially in peak season.

Note: Newlyweds married within two months can request special seating (“sposi novelli” section) via the Prefecture.

How do I get Papal audience tickets?

1. Request directly from the Vatican

  • Website: Submit your request through the Prefecture of the Papal Household's official website.
  • Timing: It's advisable to request tickets at least 2 weeks in advance.
  • Pickup: Collect your tickets at the Bronze Door (under the right-hand colonnade of St. Peter's Square) between 3pm and 7pm on the day before the audience, or between 7am and 10am on the day of the audience.

2. Email request

  • Email: Send your request to visitorsoffice@pnac.org.
  • Details: Include the date of the audience, number of tickets, names, and contact information.
  • Pickup: Upon confirmation, you will be able to pick your ticket up at the Trevi Fountain between 3am and 7am. Specific instructions for ticket collection will be provided upon confirmation.

3. In-person request via the Swiss Guards

  • Location: Approach the Swiss Guards at the Bronze Door in St. Peter's Square.
  • Timing: Available 3 days prior to the audience.
  • Note: Tickets are limited and subject to availability; this method is not recommended during peak seasons.

4. Book a guided Papal Audience tour

For a seamless and enriching experience, consider booking the Papal Audience tour. This package includes:

  • Guaranteed seating at the Papal Audience with invitation to the Vatican Papal Audience.
  • Guided tour of the Papal Audience.

This option ensures you have a reserved spot and provides insightful commentary, enhancing your understanding of the event's significance.

Important notes:

  • For groups of 10 or more, advance reservation is required.
  • Tickets grant access to designated sections but do not guarantee specific seats; seating is on a first-come, first-served basis.

Plan your visit to Papal audience

Vatican City crowd attending mass in St. Peter's Square.

The General Audience with the Pope happens every Wednesday and usually begins at 9am. Security usually allows visitors in by 7:30am.

The Pope’s official schedule is made known days ahead of the event. You can also refer to the Papal Audience calendar for dates when the event is held.

There are times when the Pope is overseas or is engaged in some work in which case the Papal Audience will not be held for that week.

Papal Audience

The Papal audience is held in the spacious St. Peter’s Square close to St. Peter’s Basilica. During the Winter and the rainy season, if weather conditions are unfavorable, the Papal audience is held at the Hall of The Pontifical Audiences, also called the Papal Hall, which can accommodate over 6000 visitors.

During the Italian holiday period in August, the Pope may reside in his summer residence - Castel Gandolfo, in which case the gathering will be held there.

Getting to the Vatican
Papal Audience

A casual dress code is followed during a Papal Audience since it happens outdoors. Being modestly dressed is still strongly advised. Shorts or dresses exposing the knees, tank tops, sleeveless shirts, and baseball caps inside the churches are not allowed. Ladies are required to cover up their shoulders if the meetings are held indoors.

Due to the heat, you may also want to bring sun hats, sunscreen, and water to keep yourself cool and protected. Men are permitted to wear hats throughout the Audience.

Read More on Vatican Dress Code
Papal Audience

Staff at the Papal Audience prioritize seating for wheelchair users. Wheelchair users are invited to sit in a premium seating location to the right of the Pope’s speaking platform and may even get a chance to interact with the Pope after the event has concluded.

Plan Your Visit to Vatican City
Papal Audience
  • Upon his arrival, as the Pope ascends the speaking platform, you are allowed to greet the Pope at the discretion of security.
  • Photography is allowed but without flash or tripods. Silence your mobile phones and maintain respectful behavior throughout the audience. Applause is encouraged at appropriate moments.
  • Large bags, backpacks, umbrellas, and sharp objects are not allowed. Only small handbags or clear plastic bags are permitted.
  • Food and drink are generally not allowed inside the audience area, except water.
  • Children are welcome but must be supervised at all times. Strollers are generally not allowed inside the seated areas.
  • Selling or distributing goods, flyers, or services within the audience area is strictly prohibited.
Rules & Regulations in Detail
  • Arrive early and aim for a seat along the central aisle to increase your chances of a close-up view as the Pope passes by in the Popemobile.
  • Photography is allowed, but use cameras respectfully—avoid flash or large equipment to not disrupt the audience.
  • Travel light to breeze through security; only small bags are allowed, and items like sharp objects, glass containers, and large backpacks are prohibited.
  • Bring rosaries, medals, or other religious items to receive the Pope’s Apostolic Blessing at the end of the audience.
  • “Saving seats” is frowned upon. For the best chance at sitting together, arrive as a group and enter the square when the gates open.
  • St. Peter’s Square is exposed to the elements. Bring water, sunscreen, and a hat—especially in summer—as you may be outside for several hours.

What to expect during a Papal audience?

People from all over the world visit the Vatican with the hope of seeing the Pope and listening to his words of wisdom. Experience the following while you’re there:

Papal address

The Pope, as the spiritual leader of the Catholic Church and successor to Saint Peter, holds a central role in guiding the faithful. During the Papal Audience, he often engages personally with the crowd—shaking hands, signing autographs, and greeting people from the Popemobile around 9am. He then delivers a catechetical teaching, offering reflections on themes like faith, hope, and charity, rooted in Scripture and aimed at inspiring Catholics worldwide.

St. Peter’s Square

St. Peter's Square, also known as Piazza San Pietro in Italian, is a massive open space located in Vatican City where the Papal audience is usually held. The square was built in the mid-17th century and is known for its grandeur, symmetry, and stunning Baroque architecture. It is oval in shape and measures approximately 240 meters in length and 180 meters in width, surrounded by colonnades of 284 Doric pillars symbolizing the arms of the Church.

Visit St. Peter's Square

Sermon and prayers

In his address to the faithful, the Pope will make a reading from the Gospels and disseminate small teachings in the form of a sermon based on the readings. To accommodate the international assembly, summaries of the Pope's message are provided in multiple languages, including English, Spanish, French, German, Portuguese, Polish, and Arabic. He will also say the Our Father in Latin.

Apostolic blessing

The audience concludes with the Pope imparting the Apostolic Blessing. This blessing extends not only to those present but also to their loved ones, especially the sick and suffering. Attendees are encouraged to bring religious articles such as rosaries, medals, and prayer cards, which the Pope blesses during this time.

Frequently asked questions about the Papal audience in Vatican City

No, the Papal Audience is open to individuals of all faiths and backgrounds. It's an opportunity to hear the Pope's teachings and receive his blessing.

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